Question
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, following the debate at European Committee B on 6 February 2017, and vote taken as division 151 on 8 February 2017, what further opportunities he expects Parliament to have to scrutinise the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement before the agreement is ratified by the UK.
Answer
Treaties, including CETA, that are subject to ratification, approval, acceptance, accession or the mutual notification of completion of procedures are typically laid before Parliament for scrutiny purposes for a period of 21 parliamentary sitting days under the provisions of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (Part 2: ratification of treaties), which commenced on 11 November 2010. This legislation provides that the UK cannot legally ratify or consent to be bound by a treaty laid under its provisions until the statutory 21 sitting day process has elapsed. During the 21 sitting days, hon Members and Select Committees have the chance to scrutinise the treaty provisions, ask questions, and potentially report.